US Envoy Asks Countries to Help Fly Troops to Haiti for UN-Backed Force

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz has urged member nations to assist in airlifting troops and military equipment to Haiti as part of the United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF). This call came during a regular briefing held by the U.N. Security Council on July 20, where Waltz emphasized the urgency of addressing Haiti's worsening security situation through international collaboration. The GSF, established in September 2025 under a Security Council resolution, aims to combat escalating gang violence in the Caribbean nation. The GSF represents a shift from the previous Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which concluded operations earlier this year. The transition has faced delays, with the arrival of troops taking longer than anticipated. As of late May, approximately 975 soldiers from five countries, Chad, Mongolia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica, are deployed in Haiti. However, the scale of the operation remains limited compared to initial expectations. The first contingent of GSF troops arrived in Port-au-Prince on April 1, consisting of around 400 Chadian soldiers. These troops marked the beginning of the GSF's presence in Haiti. Chadian forces remain the largest single contributor to the mission so far. Jack Christofides, appointed as the GSF’s special representative, assumed his role on the same day that the final MSS officers left the country. Christofides brings experience from prior U.N. peacekeeping missions, adding credibility to the new initiative. Preparation for the deployment of Chadian troops began in November, involving extensive discussions on medical evacuation protocols, legal protections for personnel, and agreements regarding their status and immunities. All personnel must undergo thorough vetting to ensure compliance with human rights standards and training to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse before deployment. Despite these preparations, the process has been slow, with challenges arising from both logistical and financial constraints. Additional contributions to the GSF have come from other nations. A few weeks after the initial deployment, troops from Sri Lanka joined the effort, while Mongolia has also sent a small contingent. Maj. Gen. Erdenebat Batsuuri, a Mongolian officer previously leading the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Cyprus, arrived in Port-au-Prince on May 14 to assume command of the GSF. His appointment underscores the international nature of the mission and the involvement of diverse regional actors. Despite the growing presence of foreign troops, the GSF faces ongoing challenges related to funding and logistics. Costs associated with the mission have exceeded initial projections, partly due to the reliance on the U.N. peacekeeping budget. Some expenses are being covered by contributing nations, but the overall financial burden remains a concern. The need for rapid deployment has highlighted the limitations of maritime transportation, prompting calls for increased aerial support. Waltz’s appeal to the Security Council specifically targeted nations with available airlift capabilities, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Côte d’Ivoire. He suggested that NATO members and Gulf states might also play a role in facilitating the movement of troops and equipment. While the reasons behind the U.S. inability to conduct the airlift independently remain unclear, the request reflects a broader strategy to mobilize international resources in response to the crisis in Haiti. Efforts continue to expand the GSF’s operational footprint, with further troop deployments planned. However, the success of the mission will depend heavily on the willingness of participating nations to provide timely and adequate support. The situation in Haiti remains volatile, with gang violence continuing to escalate, necessitating sustained international engagement and cooperation.